Chemosis

• angioedema
• allergic response

Note: There may be other causes of chemosis. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for chemosis, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Initial attempts to treat angioedema or allergies include use of over-the-counter antihistamines. Cool cloths held over the eyes can relieve some of the discomfort associated with chemosis.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

• symptoms are not relieved by home care.
• other symptoms are also present, particularly symptoms not normally associated with allergy or angioedema . Difficulty breathing and fainting are serious symptoms that can indicate that an emergency situation is developing!

What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • When did it start?
  • How long did it last?
  • Is there a pattern to the occurrences?

• quality
  • How bad is it?
  • How would you describe it?
  • How much is the eye swollen?

• aggravating factors
  • What makes it worse?

• relieving factors
  • What makes it better?

• other
  • What other symptoms occur at the same time? Particularly, is there any difficulty breathing or is the person confused or hard to awaken (emergency symptoms)?

A physical examination will include emphasis on examination of the eyes.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to chemosis to your personal medical record.